CGS 1000 Introduction to Computers and Technology Fall 2006

CGS 1000 Introduction to Computers and Technology Fall 2006 Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

Topics  

Chapter 1 Class Activity 

Campus Cruiser (HawkNet Email)

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

Chapter 1 Introduction to Computers

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

OBJECTIVES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Recognize the importance of computer literacy Identify the components of a computer Discuss the uses of the Internet and World Wide Web Identify the categories of software Describe the categories of computers Identify the types of computer users Discuss various computer applications in society Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

A World of Computers What is computer literacy? 

Knowledge and understanding of computers and their uses

Aspects of computer literacy include:     

plugging in and turning the computer on Composing, editing and printing documents the ability to communicate with others using computers through electronic mail (email) or instant messaging services managing and editing pictures (from cell phones, digital cameras or even scans) Opening files and recognizing different file types

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

What Is a Computer? 

Electronic device operating under the control of instructions stored in its own memory

Accepts data Raw facts, figures, and symbols

Processes data into information Data that is organized, meaningful, and useful

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

Produces and stores results

Advantages of Using Computers   

 

Speed Reliability Consistency Storage Communications

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

Disadvantages of Using Computers   



Violation of Privacy Impact on Labor Force Health Risks Impact on Environment

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

The Components of a Computer 1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

Input Devices Output Devices System Unit Storage Devices Communication Devices

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

Input Devices 

Hardware used to enter data and

instructions 

Widely used input devices: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Keyboard Mouse Microphone Scanner Digital Camera PC Video Camera Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

Output Devices 

Hardware that conveys information

to one or more people 

Common output devices: 1. 2. 3.

Printer Monitor Speakers

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

System Unit 

Case containing electronic components used to process data.



Motherboard or Circuit Board. 2 Components of Motherboard:



1. 2.

Central Processing Unit (CPU) Memory

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

CPU  

Also called a processor The electronic component that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer.

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

Memory 

Consists of electronic components that store instructions waiting to be executed and data needed by those instructions

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

The Components of a Computer 

What is storage? 

Holds data, instructions, and information for future use Storage media Physical material on which data, instructions, and information are stored

Storage device Records and retrieves items to and from a storage medium

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

The Components of a Computer 

What is storage media?

Hard Disks

CDs

Floppy Disks

Memory Cards

USB Flash Drives

DVDs

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

The Components of a Computer 

What is a storage device?

Retrieves (reads) Records (writes) items to storage items from media storage media Often function as a source of input

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

The Components of a Computer 

What is a floppy disk? 

Thin, circular, flexible disk enclosed in rigid plastic shell

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

The Components of a Computer 

What is a USB flash drive? Provides much greater storage capacity than a floppy disk or Zip® disk  Small and lightweight enough to be transported on a keychain or in a pocket



Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

The Components of a Computer 

What is a hard disk?

Provides greater storage capacity than a floppy disk, Zip disk, or USB flash drive  Most are housed inside of the system unit



Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

The Components of a Computer 

What is a compact disc? 

Flat, round, portable metal disc CD-ROM  DVD-ROM 

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

The Components of a Computer 

What is a communications device? • Hardware component that enables a computer to send and receive data, instructions, and information • E.g.: Modem • Occurs over cables, telephone lines, cellular radio networks (wireless), satellites (wireless), and other transmission media.

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

Computer Components

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition

Questions?

Discovering Computers Fundamentals, Third Edition